Worshippers at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, were thrown into panic on Sunday after suspected kidnappers stormed the church during an early morning Mass and abducted three people.
One of the victims was later rescued after the kidnappers abandoned him while fleeing from security operatives. However, the attackers escaped with a seminarian and another worshipper.
The abducted seminarian was identified as Lawrence Chidera Igbo, while the second victim was simply identified as Emmanuel.
Eyewitnesses said the armed men entered the church while the service was in progress and seized three people, including the seminarian, a catechist and another worshipper.
A resident of the community, Christopher, said the kidnappers later released the catechist before disappearing into the bush with the remaining two victims.
“The kidnappers initially abducted the seminarian, the catechist and another person inside the church. After moving them for a short distance, they released the catechist and fled into the bush with the seminarian and the other worshipper,” he said.
Reports also indicated that the seminarian had come to the church to participate in the Mass when the attack occurred.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that it happened within the premises of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Police spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe said a joint security team comprising police officers, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group immediately launched a rescue operation.
According to him, security operatives pursued the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon one of the victims, who was rescued unharmed, while the suspects escaped with the other two.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed tactical teams, the Area Commander in Oji River and the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining victims and arrest those responsible.
He also instructed the State Intelligence Department to strengthen intelligence gathering and activate surveillance and technical resources to support the rescue operation.
The police appealed to residents to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist in rescuing the victims and tracking down the kidnappers.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the growing insecurity in parts of Enugu State, where kidnapping has remained a major challenge despite ongoing security operations. The attack on a place of worship has further heightened fears among residents over the boldness of criminal gangs operating in the area.
